Exercise Device

ABSTRACT

An exercise device is provided. The exercise device has an upper bar and lower bar pivotally joined together by a spring housing. The bars resist movement towards each other by the force of a spring within the spring housing. The exercise device is configured to be mounted under a chair such that it may be utilized while a user is seated in the chair.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to an exercise device. More particularly the present invention relates to a device that may connect to a chair to be used for exercise while sitting in the chair.

2. Description of Related Art

Many of those who work in office settings experience a highly sedentary lifestyle. Because of their office jobs, they spend a vast majority of their days seated in a stationary position. It is well known that a lack of physical activity and excess stagnation is detrimental to health. Indeed, it vastly increases the incidence of heart and blood flow issues, among others. However, many office workers find that they do not have the time to exercise and remain active especially during the day.

Therefore, what is needed is a device that may allow exercise while seated, particularly when seated in an office at an office chair.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The subject matter of this application may involve, in some cases, interrelated products, alternative solutions to a particular problem, and/or a plurality of different uses of a single system or article.

In one aspect, a chair mounted exercise system is provided. The exercise system comprises a chair, and an exercise device. The chair has a seat, and a plurality of wheel arms joined to the seat by a central column. The seat and plurality of wheel arms define a cavity under the seat and above the wheel arms. The exercise device is positioned within this cavity. The exercise device has an upper and lower bar, both having an approximately rectangular, or ‘U’ shape. The upper and lower bars are joined to a spring housing that allows pivotal movement of the upper and lower bars towards each other, pivoting about the spring housing. Both, or at least one of the upper and lower bars may be telescoping such that it may be compacted within the cavity formed by the chair and the wheel-arms, and extended such that it extends past the cavity.

In another aspect, methods of using the exercise system are provided. In one embodiment, method begins with the step of sitting in a chair configured with the exercise device. The user may engage the exercise device with his or her feet, and operate the exercise device using their legs. Generally, this operation includes either pushing an upper bar towards a lower bar, or pulling a lower bar towards an upper bar. The method may further involve extending one of the bars of the exercise device to position it for effective exercise.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 provides a view of an embodiment of the exercise system.

FIG. 2 provides a view of another embodiment of the exercise system.

FIG. 3 provides a view of still another embodiment of the exercise system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of presently preferred embodiments of the invention and does not represent the only forms in which the present invention may be constructed and/or utilized. The description sets forth the functions and the sequence of steps for constructing and operating the invention in connection with the illustrated embodiments.

Generally, the present invention concerns an exercise device capable of being attached to a chair to allow a user to perform resistance exercises while seated. The device comprises two bars, joined together by a torsion spring or other resistance device. The device may be secured to the chair to keep it in place during operation.

As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the exercise device is formed from an upper bar 11 and lower bar 13. These bars 11, 13 are joined together at a spring housing 14. The spring housing 14 contains a torsion spring or other movement resisting device. The spring housing 14 connects to proximal ends of the bars 11, 13 and allows them to be pivoted with relation to each other. Further the spring housing 14 causes the bars 11, 13 to resist being moved towards each other. In a particular embodiment, a torsion spring is used and is biased against inward movement of the two bars. In some embodiments, two spring housings 14 may be used, one on each side of the bars. As such, the spring housing 14 may be used in conjunction with a second spring housing (as shown in FIG. 3). Further, the spring of the spring housing 14 may be removable and replaceable with a different spring to provide a different level of resistance to movement. In a particular embodiment, the spring housing 14 may position the bars 11, 13 at an approximately 60 degree angle from each other when in a relaxed mode.

Further, the spring housing 14 may be configured to receive the proximal ends of the upper and lower bars 11, 13 in any manner. In one embodiment, the spring housing 14 may receive the bars 11, 13, by snap fitting. In another embodiment, the spring housing receives the bars such that the bars are held in place by a spring loaded pin.

The upper bar 11 is formed of two bars connected together by a crossbar 16, creating a substantially rectangular upper bar, or a substantially ‘U’ shaped upper bar. However, it should be understood that in varying embodiments, the lower bar 13 may be shaped similarly to the upper bar 11 of FIGS. 1 and 2, or may take any other shape. In other embodiments, a plurality of cross bars 16 may be utilized along the length of the upper bar 11, or lower bar 13. Further, the upper bar 11 may be telescoping, providing it an extended position and compacted position. FIG. 1 provides a view of the upper bar 11 in an extended position, with the upper bar extending past a seat of the chair. The telescoping action of the upper bar is achieved by it being formed of a plurality of bars or sections sized and configured for telescoping within each other. Each progressive telescoping section having an outer cross sectional size less than an inner cross sectional size of its previous section. The telescoping sections may be locked in position by twist locks 12.

In a particular embodiment, the upper bar may be extended, and the spring housing may be lockable, such that the upper bar may be used as a foot rest.

The lower bar 13 is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 as a ‘U’ shaped single piece bar. However, it should be understood that in varying embodiments, the lower bar 13 may be telescoping, and/or may be shaped similarly to the upper bar 11 of FIGS. 1 and 2. In the embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 2, the lower bar 13 does not extend past the circle defined by the wheel-arms of the chair. However, in other embodiments, the lower bar 13 may extend past the circle defined by the wheel-arms. For example, in embodiments wherein the lower bar 13 is telescoping, it may extend past the circle defined by the wheel-arms in an extended position.

The upper and lower bars 11, 13 may be formed of any material capable of withstanding forces experienced during exercise motions. Examples of materials of which the bars may be formed include, but are not limited to, metals, plastics, composites, and the like. Further, the lower and upper bars 11, 13 may have surfaces covered or partially covered in neoprene, rubber, or other material to enhance comfort during use, and to aid in gripping the device.

The exercise device is connected to a chair 10. In this embodiment, the exercise device is connected to the chair by a substantially rigid rod 15. The rod 15 is shown attached to each lower bar, and about two wheel-arms of the chair. It should be understood that any number of structures may be used to attach the exercise device to the chair. Other examples of a chair attachment may include, but are not limited to, hooks, adhesive, straps, Velcro® or other hook and loop fasters, welding, clamps, permanent integration into the chair, and the like.

FIG. 2 shows another embodiment of the exercise device. This embodiment shows the upper bar 11 in a compressed position because its telescoping portions are compressed within each other. It can be seen that the top of the upper bar 11 and cross bar 16 are under the seat of the chair 10.

Further, FIG. 2 provides a view of an embodiment of an arm rest clip 20. The arm rest clip 20 provides an exercise option for hand and arm exercises. The arm rest clip 20 may be rotatably attached to the arm rest such that it may be rotated under the arm rest when not in use. The arm rest clip 20 may exercise hands of a user by allowing squeezing of the clip, or may exercise arms of a user by a downward pushing against the clip. In some embodiments, two arm rest clips 20 may be utilized, one on each arm rest of the chair. Moreover, the arm rest clip 20 may be removed from the arm rest and placed between legs or arms, allowing for squeezing type exercises.

FIG. 3 provides another embodiment of the exercise device with upper bar 11 against the chair's wheel-arms and the lower bar 13 against a lower surface of the seat of the chair 10. In this view, a two piece spring housing 14 is provided. The spring housing 14 comprises a first piece 14 a which connects to the lower bar 13, and a second piece 14 b which connects to the upper bar 11. The pieces 14 a, 14 b, are rotatable with respect to each other, such that the bars 11, 13 may be pivoted towards or away from each other. The spring (not shown) is in contact with both pieces 14 a, 14 b.

FIG. 3 further provides a cross bar 30 connecting two spring housings 14. The cross bar 30 is attached to the chair by Velcro® strap 31.

The upper bar 11 is facing downward and in contact with the wheel arms. In this embodiment, the upper bar 11 is telescoping, and can be seen in its compressed position, with its extended position shown in broken lines.

The exercise device may be used in a number of manners. Some particular examples of exercises that may be performed include: a pushing of an upper bar downward by the user's legs; a lifting of the lower bar towards the user's body by the user's legs and abdomen; a pushing or lifting with a user's feet pivoting at the ankle; and the like. The user may use any part of the leg or foot to contact the bar in use, such as soles of feet, toes, tops of feet, or heels. The exercises may be performed with the bars in a compressed or extended position.

While several variations of the present invention have been illustrated by way of example in preferred or particular embodiments, it is apparent that further embodiments could be developed within the spirit and scope of the present invention, or the inventive concept thereof. However, it is to be expressly understood that such modifications and adaptations are within the spirit and scope of the present invention, and are inclusive, but not limited to the following appended claims as set forth. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A chair mounted exercise system comprising: a chair having a seat, and a plurality of wheel arms, the seat and plurality of wheel arms defining a cavity under the seat and above the wheel arms; an exercise device removably positioned within the cavity, and attached to at least one of the wheel arms, the device comprising: a substantially rectangular shaped upper bar having a distal end, a first proximal end and a second proximal end; a substantially ‘U’ shaped lower bar having a distal end, a first proximal end and a second proximal end; at least one of the upper bar and the lower bar having at least one telescoping portion, the bar being movable from an extended position to a compact position by unlocking a twist lock and sliding the telescoping portion inward; two spring housings, each comprising a torsion spring, and each comprising a first connector and a second connector, the two connectors of each spring housing configured to be moved towards each other against a resistance of the torsion spring; wherein the upper bar is attached to the first connector of one spring housing at the first proximal end, and attached to the first connector of the other spring housing at the second proximal end; wherein the lower bar is attached to the second connector of one spring housing at the first proximal end, and attached to the second connector of the other spring housing at the second proximal end; wherein the upper bar is pivotable towards the lower bar about an axis formed by the two spring housings; and the exercise device sized to fit entirely within the cavity when the one of the upper bar and lower bar are in a compact position, and to extend beyond the cavity when one of the upper bar and lower bar are in an extended position.
 2. The chair mounted exercise system of claim 1 wherein both the upper bar and lower bar comprises at least one telescoping portion, the bars being movable from an extended position to a compact position by unlocking a twist lock and sliding the telescoping portion inward.
 3. The chair mounted exercise system of claim 1 further comprising a cross bar joining the first spring housing and the second spring housing.
 4. The chair mounted exercise system of claim 1 wherein at least one of the upper bar or lower bar comprises an outer layer of a rubberized material.
 5. The chair mounted exercise system of claim 1 further comprising a cross bar joining two arms of the upper bar.
 6. The chair mounted exercise system of claim 3 wherein the cross bar is joined to the at least one of the plurality of wheel arms by a hook and loop fastener.
 7. The chair mounted exercise system of claim 1 further comprising an arm rest clip positioned on an arm rest of the chair, the arm rest clip comprising a spring biasing the clip in a closed position, the arm rest clip configured to provide exercising motions by a user moving the clip to an open position against the spring bias.
 8. A method of exercising using a chair having an exercise device attached comprising the steps of: sitting in a chair, the chair comprising a seat, and a plurality of wheel arms, the seat and plurality of wheel arms defining a cavity under the seat and above the wheel arms; engaging the exercise device with a user's feet, the exercise device comprising: a substantially rectangular shaped upper bar having a distal end, a first proximal end and a second proximal end; a substantially ‘U’ shaped lower bar having a distal end, a first proximal end and a second proximal end; at least one of the upper bar and the lower bar having at least one telescoping portion, the bar being movable from an extended position to a compact position by unlocking a twist lock and sliding the telescoping portion inward; two spring housings, each comprising a torsion spring, and each comprising a first connector and a second connector, the two connectors of each spring housing configured to be moved towards each other against a resistance of the torsion spring; wherein the upper bar is attached to the first connector of one spring housing at the first proximal end, and attached to the first connector of the other spring housing at the second proximal end; wherein the lower bar is attached to the second connector of one spring housing at the first proximal end, and attached to the second connector of the other spring housing at the second proximal end; wherein the upper bar is pivotable towards the lower bar about an axis formed by the two spring housings; and the exercise device sized to fit entirely within the cavity when the one of the upper bar and lower bar are in a compact position, and to extend beyond the cavity when one of the upper bar and lower bar are in an extended position; and operating the exercise device using a user's legs by bringing the upper bar towards the lower bar, the upper bar pivoting about the spring housing.
 9. The method of claim 8 wherein the step of operating the exercise device comprises extending the upper bar to an extended position, and placing a user's feet on the upper bar pushing the upper bar downward towards a floor.
 10. The method of claim 8 wherein the step of operating the exercise device comprises pulling the lower bar upwards away from a floor. 